Sick people offered flu vaccination

Flu shots are available for vulnerable people with weakened immune systems caused by pre-existing and underlying illnesses and the elderly.

Health ministry Te Marae Ora said it was working with the 10 Rarotonga punas to provide the vaccination, which is limited to 100 jabs per puna.

Health authorities say it’s extra important this year to get a flu shot – not just to avoid the flu, but also to lessen the impact on the health system when the hospital may need space for Covid-19 patients.

Vulnerable people who have not already been contacted by a health professional and had their shot, should take steps now to get an influenza vaccination by contacting their local puna.

The ministry stressed that flu injections do work and can save lives. Already, a number of people had their flu vaccinations and 3000 more doses of the flu vaccine had been ordered.